Dogmanay: Husky dog race makes return as part of New Year’s celebrations

The Dogmanay husky race in Holyrood Park. Picture: TSPL

BRIAN FERGUSON

HUSKY dog races are to return to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for the first time in four years.

• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme to be launched next week

• ‘Dogmanay’ to return to Holyrood Park

The Scottish Sleddog Society is helping to stage the comeback for the popular event, which had been traditionally staged in Holyrood Park on New Year’s Day.

The capital’s New Year’s Day Triathlon is also returning for the first time since 2009 and a revamp of the Royal Commonwealth Pool was carried out.

Details of the return for the two events have been released ahead of the official programme launch for the city’s three-day Hogmanay festival next week.

Pam Addison, secretary of the Scottish Sleddog Society, said the “Edinburgh’s Dogmanay” event was a great excuse to have fun on New Year’s Day.

She added: “We are delighted to be bringing back Edinburgh’s Dogmanay – it is a great opportunity for everyone who owns a sled dog, and isn’t a member of a club, to come and get some guidance and support about the welfare of these breeds, and to fully enjoy these wonderful dogs.”

The triathlon features a 400-metre swim in the revamped pool complex, an 11-mile cycle around Arthur’s Seat and a 3.5 mile run around the park.

Race director John Whitaker said: “We have missed having the race in our calendar over the last few years.

“This has been a fantastic year of sport in the UK so hopefully some of that enthusiasm will rub off and we can offer a great way to start next year with a challenge in sport.”

Pete Irvine, artistic director of the Hogmanay celebrations, said: “Whether you’re participating or spectating, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise on New Year’s Day and blow away those cobwebs.”

Tickets are sale for all events on Hogmanay itself, including the flagship concert in Princes Street Gardens, although none of the acts are being revealed until next week.